GTA VI Trailer Sparks Speculation of Shared Universe with Red Dead Redemption
May 9, 2025
The highly anticipated second trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI, which showcases Vice City, has quickly become one of the most-watched trailers on YouTube.
In a notable moment, the trailer features a brief reference to Red Dead Redemption 2, hinting at a potential shared universe between the two iconic games.
Characters from the Red Dead Redemption 2 universe, including President Thaddeus Waxman, appear on dollar bills during a strip club scene in GTA VI, further connecting their timelines.
Waxman, who was a character in Red Dead Redemption 2, led the country starting in 1899, aligning with the historical context of both games.
The appearance of Waxman's face on currency in GTA VI suggests a narrative continuity that spans both titles.
Fans have noted this connection, particularly in how money is depicted in the club scene, drawing parallels to the Red Dead universe.
A Reddit user pointed out that the bills shown in the trailer feature fictional presidents from collectible cigarette cards found in Red Dead Redemption 2.
While these connections suggest a cohesive universe, Rockstar Games has yet to officially confirm any shared narrative between the two franchises.
GTA VI is set to be released on May 26, 2026, for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, which may further validate the shared universe theory.
However, some fans argue that the use of real-life locations in Red Dead, like New York and San Francisco, indicates that the games may not coexist within the same universe.
Despite differing settings, other Rockstar titles have hinted at a cohesive universe through shared landmarks and recurring cities, enhancing narrative ties.
Previous GTA titles have also included Easter eggs referencing Red Dead, such as books authored by 'J. Marston' in GTA 5, reinforcing the connection.
Summary based on 2 sources
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